Android is getting a big AI overhaul in 2026

Next week, Google is poised to unveil exciting developments in its AI initiatives during the annual I/O conference. In a bold move, the company has decided to share insights into its Android upgrades ahead of schedule, highlighting a significant focus on artificial intelligence. As part of this upcoming transformation, Google plans to introduce a range of smartphone AI features under the Gemini Intelligence umbrella, aimed at enhancing both automation and personalization on Android devices. One of the standout promises is a substantial expansion of app automation, which has been a work in progress since early 2026 when Google began testing the feature with popular services like DoorDash and Uber on Pixel and Samsung smartphones. Initial feedback from these tests was less than favorable, but Google assures users that it has been diligently refining the system over the past months. The tech giant aims to empower Android to handle increasingly intricate automations across various applications. For instance, the technology could potentially locate a course syllabus in Gmail, then seamlessly transition to a shopping app to add necessary textbooks to your cart. Additionally, users might be able to take a snapshot of a travel brochure and instruct Gemini to find and book a similar experience through the Expedia app. While this innovative approach could significantly minimize repetitive tasks, its effectiveness hinges on proper functionality and integration with the right applications. It's important to note that this automation feature will be limited to select apps, primarily focusing on food, grocery ordering, and ride-hailing services. For all other functionalities, users can rely on Chrome. The Gemini-driven Auto Browse feature, which was introduced to desktop Chrome earlier this year, is set to debut on Android devices running version 12 and above by the end of June. This feature utilizes advanced cloud-based Gemini models to simplify webpage navigation and efficiently execute multi-step tasks.